The ‘Icon’ of Indian athletics Hima Das has always preferred sports as well as education.  Earlier this year, the 19 year old athlete has taken decision to keep her  sprint shoes for next 45 days  to appear for Class XII examinations in February-March this year.  But this decision has made a negative effect in ‘Dhing Express’ carrier.  During the time away from the national camp, which is overseen by Russian-born coach Galina Burkharina, Hima did not train and this pegged her back to a level from which she is struggling to bounce back in time to meet qualification standards for the World Championships in Doha.

Tthe Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) deputy chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair said,  “The Under-20 champion was away from the national camp and since here return to the track, she is struggling to get her timing back and qualify for the World Championships in Doha.” said Athletics Federation of India (AFI)’s deputy chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair.

Hima clocked 52.09 seconds in the 400 metres event at Nove Mesto nad Metuji in the Czech Republic. Where the qualifying standard for World Championship is set at 51.80 seconds.  “Hima’s decision to take a break was ill-timed as it broke her training cycle,” wrote Indian Express quoting a top AFI official.

Owing to lower back pain Hima Das pulled out of the 400 metres at the Asian Championships.

Nair further said that even though back pain was not an issue.  “However, the break from training has put her qualifying chances for the individual 400 metres event at the world championship under clouds,” Nair added.